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Br J Ophthalmol 2003;87:1463-1465 doi:10.1136/bjo.87.12.1463
  • Clinical science
    • Scientific reports

Contrast sensitivity improves after brimonidine therapy in primary open angle glaucoma: a case for neuroprotection

  1. D W Evans1,
  2. S L Hosking2,
  3. D Gherghel2,
  4. J D Bartlett3
  1. 1School of Optometry, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
  2. 2Neuroscience Research Institute, Aston University, Aston Triangle, Birmingham B4 7ET, UK
  3. 3School of Optometry, University of Alabama at Birmingham, and Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Medicine, University of Alabama, Birmingham, AL, USA
  1. Correspondence to: Sarah L Hosking Neuroscience Research Institute, Aston University, Aston Triangle, Birmingham B4 7ET, UK; s.l.hoskingaston.ac.uk
  • Accepted 17 March 2003

Abstract

Aims: To determine the visual outcome following initiation of brimonidine therapy in glaucoma.

Methods: 16 newly diagnosed previously untreated glaucoma patients were randomly assigned to either timolol 0.5% or brimonidine 0.2%. Visual acuity, contrast sensitivity (CS), visual fields, intraocular pressure (IOP), blood pressure, and heart rate were evaluated at baseline and after 3 months.

Results: IOP reduction was similar for both groups (p<0.05). Brimonidine improved CS; in the right eye at 6 and 12 cpd (p = 0.043, p = 0.017); in the left eye at 3 and 12 cpd (p = 0.044, p = 0.046). Timolol reduced CS at 18 cpd in the right eye (p = 0.041). There was no change in any other measured parameters.

Conclusion: Glaucoma patients exhibit improved CS on initiation of brimonidine therapy.

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